What is cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)? (original) (raw)

What is CBT? Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (also known as Cognitive Behavior Therapy) …
is a form of psychotherapy that emphasizes the important role of thinking in how we feel and what we do.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (cognitive behavior therapy) does not exist as a distinct therapeutic technique. The term “cognitive-behavioral therapy” is a very general term for a classification of therapies with similarities. There are several approaches to cognitive-behavioral therapy, including Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy, Rational Behavior Therapy, Rational Living Therapy, Cognitive Therapy, and Dialectic Behavior Therapy.

However, most cognitive-behavioral therapies have the following characteristics:

1. CBT is based on the Cognitive Model of Emotional Response. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is based on the idea that our thoughts cause our feelings and behaviors, not external things, like people, situations, and events. The benefit of this fact is that we can change how we think to feel/act better even if the situation does not change.

2. CBT is Briefer and Time-Limited. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is considered among the most rapid in terms of results obtained. The average number of sessions clients receive (across all types of problems and approaches to CBT) is only 16. Other forms of therapy, like psychoanalysis, can take years. What enables CBT to be briefer is its highly instructive nature and the fact that it makes use of homework assignments. CBT is time-limited in that we help clients understand at the very beginning of the therapy process that there will be a point when the formal therapy will end. The ending of formal therapy is a decision made by the therapist and client. Therefore, CBT is not an open-ended, never-ending process.

3. A sound therapeutic relationship is necessary for effective therapy, but not the focus. Some forms of therapy assume that the main reason people get better in therapy is because of the positive relationship between the therapist and the client. Cognitive-behavioral therapists believe it is important to have a good, trusting relationship, but that is not enough. CBT therapists believe that the clients change because they learn how to think differently and they act on that learning. Therefore, CBT therapists focus on teaching rational self-counseling skills.

4. CBT is a collaborative effort between the therapist and the client. Cognitive-behavioral therapists seek to learn what their clients want out of life (their goals) and then help their clients achieve those goals. The therapist’s role is to listen, teach, and encourage, while the client’s roles is to express concerns, learn, and implement that learning.

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5. CBT is based on aspects of stoic philosophy. Not all approaches to CBT emphasize stoicism. Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy, Rational Behavior Therapy, and Rational Living Therapy emphasize aspects of stoicism. Beck’s Cognitive Therapy is not based on stoicism.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy does not tell people how they should feel. However, most people seeking therapy do not want to feel the way they have been feeling. The approaches that emphasize stoicism teach the benefits of feeling, at worst, calm when confronted with undesirable situations. They also emphasize the fact that we have our undesirable situations whether we are upset about them or not. If we are upset about our problems, we have two problems — the problem, and our upset about it. Most people want to have the fewest number of problems possible. So when we learn how to more calmly accept a personal problem, not only do we feel better, but we usually put ourselves in a better position to make use of our intelligence, knowledge, energy, and resources to resolve the problem.

6. CBT uses the Socratic Method. Cognitive-behavioral therapists want to gain a very good understanding of their clients’ concerns. That’s why they often ask questions. They also encourage their clients to ask questions of themselves, like, “How do I know that those people are laughing at me?” “Could they be laughing about something else?”

7. CBT is structured and directive. Cognitive-behavioral therapists have a specific agenda for each session. Specific techniques / concepts are taught during each session. CBT focuses on the client’s goals. We do not tell our clients what their goals “should” be, or what they “should” tolerate. We are directive in the sense that we show our clients how to think and behave in ways to obtain what they want. Therefore, CBT therapists do not tell their clients what to do — rather, they teach their clients how to do.

8. CBT is based on an educational model. CBT is based on the scientifically supported assumption that most emotional and behavioral reactions are learned. Therefore, the goal of therapy is to help clients unlearn their unwanted reactions and to learn a new way of reacting.

Therefore, cognitive-behavioral therapy has nothing to do with “just talking”. People can “just talk” with anyone.

The educational emphasis of CBT has an additional benefit — it leads to long-term results. When people understand how and why they are doing well, they know what to do to continue doing well.

9. CBT theory and techniques rely on the Inductive Method. A central aspect of Rational thinking is that it is based on fact. Often, we upset ourselves about things when, in fact, the situation isn’t like we think it is. If we knew that, we would not waste our time upsetting ourselves.

Therefore, the inductive method encourages us to look at our thoughts as being hypotheses or guesses that can be questioned and tested. If we find that our hypotheses are incorrect (because we have new information), then we can change our thinking to be in line with how the situation really is.

1. CBT emphasizes the important role of homework. If a person wants to learn a musical instrument well enough to perform in a band, they will need to play that instrument more than during their weekly lesson. Daily practice will produce the learning and ability they seek.

The same is the case with psychotherapy. Goal achievement (if obtained) could take a very long time if a person were only to think about the techniques and topics taught for one hour per week. That’s why CBT therapists assign reading assignments and encourage their clients to practice the techniques learned.

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How does CBT help individuals become their own therapists?

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is uniquely designed to empower individuals to become their own therapists, giving them the tools to effectively navigate their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. It achieves this by employing a combination of in-session exercises and homework assignments, honing their coping skills and transforming their mindset.

CBT therapists prioritize the present moment, focusing on the individual’s current life rather than extensively exploring the past factors that may have contributed to their difficulties. While some understanding of personal history is necessary, the main emphasis is on propelling them forward in time, enabling them to cultivate more efficient ways of dealing with life’s challenges.

By actively engaging in various exercises during therapy sessions, individuals learn techniques to alter their cognitive patterns, challenging and reframing negative or problematic thoughts. These exercises aim to reshape their thinking processes, replacing detrimental beliefs with healthier and more realistic perspectives.

Furthermore, CBT encourages patients to actively participate in homework assignments outside of therapy sessions. These exercises serve as practice opportunities, allowing individuals to apply the strategies and techniques learned during sessions to real-life situations. Through consistent practice and reinforcement, they gradually develop greater control over their emotions, allowing for more adaptive and positive responses.

By equipping individuals with these coping skills and promoting self-reliance, CBT empowers them to take charge of their own therapy journey. As they become proficient in utilizing CBT techniques and skills, they gain confidence in managing their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors independently, effectively becoming their own therapists.

What is the emphasis of CBT in terms of the person’s current life?

The emphasis of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) regarding the person’s current life is on understanding and addressing the present challenges they are facing. While a basic understanding of their history is necessary, CBT therapists primarily focus on empowering individuals to develop more effective coping mechanisms and strategies to navigate their current circumstances. The goal is to facilitate personal growth and change, encouraging individuals to move forward in time and actively engage in overcoming their difficulties. By prioritizing their present experiences, CBT aims to equip individuals with the tools they need to thrive in their current situations and improve their overall well-being.

How does CBT aim to change behavioral patterns?

First and foremost, CBT approaches focus on correcting irrational thoughts that cause problematic behavior. Additionall, CBT treatment is designed to effectively modify behavioral patterns by employing various strategies. These strategies primarily involve confronting and addressing fears rather than avoiding them. This is achieved through techniques such as exposure therapy, where individuals are gradually exposed to their fears in a controlled and supportive environment. Additionally, role playing is utilized as a practice tool to prepare individuals for potential challenging social interactions. By simulating these scenarios, individuals learn and develop effective coping mechanisms and communication strategies. Moreover, CBT incorporates relaxation techniques to help individuals achieve a state of calmness and reduce anxiety. Through learning how to relax their minds and bodies, individuals can better manage stressful situations and prevent the escalation of anxious thoughts and behaviors. Overall, CBT aims to bring about positive behavioral changes by promoting facing fears, skill development through role playing, and cultivating relaxation techniques.

How does CBT compare to other forms of psychological therapy or psychiatric medications?

CBT has consistently shown in various studies to be highly effective in comparison to other forms of psychological therapy or psychiatric medications. In fact, it has been proven to be just as effective, if not more so, than alternative treatment methods.

What problems can CBT be effective in treating?

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) has proven to be a highly effective form of psychological treatment for addressing a wide spectrum of issues. This evidence-based therapy has demonstrated its efficacy in treating various problems, such as depression, anxiety disorders, addiction issues, difficulties in relationships and marriages, eating disorders, and even more severe mental illnesses. CBT offers a comprehensive approach that has shown promising results in managing and alleviating these specific challenges.

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